* <sleep name="Ancient House" alt="Homestay in Watkor village" address="" directions="100m south of Watkor temple and a few km south of town" phone="+855 12 363174" email="" fax="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Talk with Madame Boun Roeung (who speaks some French but no English) about the possibility of staying in her "Ancient House." Accommodation is simple, with foam mattresses on the floor. Other owners of ancient houses may also be open to this.</sleep>

+

* <sleep name="Ancient House" alt="Homestay in Watkor village" address="" directions="100 m south of Watkor temple and a few km south of town" phone="+855 12 363174" email="" fax="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Talk with Madame Boun Roeung (who speaks some French but no English) about the possibility of staying in her "Ancient House." Accommodation is simple, with foam mattresses on the floor. Other owners of ancient houses may also be open to this.</sleep>

* <sleep name="Tomato Backpacker Hostel, Restaurant and Bar" alt="" address="20 Ushaphea Village" directions="behind LUX Guest House" phone="+855 12 85 34 39" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="US$2-10" lat="" long="">Very friendly place with ensuite rooms for just $3 and dorms for $2. Has only 4 rooms in total on first floor that also has nice restaurant balcony. Great value for anyone on a tight budget.</sleep>

+

* <sleep name="Tomato Backpacker Hostel, Restaurant and Bar" alt="" address="20 Ushaphea Village" directions="behind LUX Guest House" phone="+855 12 85 34 39" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="US$2-10" lat="" long="">Very friendly place with ensuite rooms for just US$3 and dorms for US$2. Has only 4 rooms in total on first floor that also has nice restaurant balcony. Great value for anyone on a tight budget.</sleep>

* <sleep name="President Hotel", 1 km from mid-town - every tuk tuk knows it. Incompetently run with plumbing leaks and reception can rarely help with anything. Quite new and quite cheap at average US$15/night for a nice room with mod cons.</sleep>

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* <sleep name="President Hotel" 1 k from mid-town - every tuk tuk knows it. Incompetently run (plumbing leaks, reception can rarely help with anything), but quite new and quite cheap at average US$15/night for a nice room with mod cons.</sleep>

Revision as of 12:19, 21 July 2012

Battambang[1] is Cambodia's second most populous city, and a popular tourist destination due to the many nearby ancient temples, Buddhist shrines and the infamous bamboo railway. It is also the capital city of the Battambang province.

Contents

Understand

Get in

Map of Battambang

By road

National Highway 5 is paved and from Battambang runs southeast to Phnom Penh and northwest to Sisophon and Poipet. At Sisophon, National Highway 6 branches off to provide paved access to Siem Reap. In a car, Phnom Penh is around 4 hr away and Sisophon can be reached in just under 1 hr. By bus, Phnom Penh take about 5-6 hr and cost about US$4. Siem Reap takes at least 3 hr and costs US$3.75.

Highway 57 from Battambang to Pailin was paved in 2010. Paramount Angkor Buses run twice daily from Battambang to Pailin (2 hr) for US$4.

By boat

One boat a day travels from Siem Reap (for Angkor) to Battambang, departing Siem Reap at 7AM. An interesting and very scenic journey along small rivers, the boat threads it's way through numerous charming floating villages and past dozens of towering cantilevered fishing net installations. It can take between 4-12 hr, depending on the time of year (and hence the water level), however the time can be fairly accurately predicted by checking the time that the same boat arrived yesterday.

During the dry season, when the water level gets very low, the boats cannot get all the way to Battambang and the journey is completed by minibus or pick-up truck.

By rail

Cambodia's defunct rail system is due to be regenerated by 2013. The line runs from Poipet on the Thai border through Sisophon and along the southern side of the Tonle Sap Lake to Battambang and Phnom Penh.

Get around

The city centre is pretty compact and can be mostly explored by foot. Bicycles can be rented from most hotels or private companies for US$1-2 per day. Motorcycles can be rented from US$5 a day. The driving habits of locals are hazardous. Police may try to fine tourists on motobikes. If pulled over, stay calm, smile, take the key out of the ignition (to prevent the police trying to ransom it), and pay a small fine of US1-2. Arguing, waving your driving licence in their faces or otherwise upsetting the police is not smooth behaviour.

Tuk-tuks and motorbike drivers hang around popular tourist areas. As most of the interesting and useful destinations are quite close to each other, most rides should only cost you around US$2-4. More distant trips like Phnom Sampouv (the 'killing caves') will cost around US$10, and can be combined with other destinations for a total of US$12-15.

Small boats act as ferries (500 riel) and cross the river in front of the market.

See

Battambang is known for its statues which seemingly decorate every public place. Most are of animals (mythical and real) and divinities.

The most famous of these statues is on the main road in from Phnom Penh and is of an ancient Khmer King holding a stick which he used to quell rebellions in the Battambang area. The name of the town / province comes from this legend.

Battambang's central market

Check out riverside dancing along the river around dusk. Some serious K-Pop action goes down.

The town also has a number of fine colonial buildings along the river including a very grand French era governors residence.

Around Battambang:

Phnom Sampeu's Killing Caves

Phnom Sampeu, a hill with the Killing Caves of the Khmer Rouge, a few others caves adorned with Buddhist statues, and a monastery with two Buddhist Stupas on the hilltop. Entry is US$2 - also covering Wat Banan - and it takes about 1 hr to climb the circuit to the monastery on top, with a short-cut leading back down to the shops and restaurants which line the approaching road.

Wat Banan, the so-called mini-Angkor wat, an impressive flight of stairs lead up to a dilapidated Angkor-style temple which is still in use as a Buddhist shrine.

Wat Baydamram, a temple where hundreds of fruit bats live in trees under the protection of the Buddhist monks.

Wat Ek Phnom

Wat Ek Phnom, another Angkor-type temple ruin, about 15 km north west of Battambang. The road runs along lovely small rivers flanked by trees and small villages making it a generally nice area. Approaching Wat Ek Phnom, you suddenly encounter a giant Buddha statue in the Wat, which is certainly picture-worthy. The grounds of the Wat also have an Angkorian era temple which is in relatively good shape and with some interesting carvings.

Wat Samraong Knong, roughly translated as 'Wat in the forest' is an extremely old pagoda on the eastern side of the Sangker River. The eerie old Wat was used as a Khmer Rouge prison, and there were many executions on the premises. A new pagoda is now being built, and there is a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, with graphic illustrations just to the north.

There are several opportunities to explore villages just south of town. The Cultural village of Watkor, just a few kilometres south of the town centre has several "ancient wooden houses" from the early 20th century. Further south are the agricultural villages of Kompong Seyma, and Ksach Puoy. For info call District Administration Battambang: ☎ +855 1288 1516, +855 1666 6111.

Battambang Circus, Phare Ponleu Selpak (10 min journey in tuk-tuk from the centre of Battambang-most drivers know the the circus), ☎+855 53 952 424, [2]. Performances every Mon and Thurs from 6PM. The shows are fun, energetic and exciting and include a range of circus disciplines. The ticket price helps support the NGO school which works with disadvantaged children and teenagers. US$8.

Battambang Buzz (battambangbuzz@yahoo.com), Battambang, ☎855-12870993, [3]. pick up a copy of battambang Buzz. a free information guide book. available at restaurants throughout battambang.free.

Do

The bamboo train near Battambang

Rent a bicycle and cycle along the river. Upstream (south) or downstream (north). Both directions are flat and mostly paved, and it is possible to cycle along the river bank for a considerable distance, of up to 20 km each way.

The Bamboo Train: (The term "train" being used loosely - A large bamboo platform mounted on train axles powered by a small go-kart engine). A trip to the train can be booked in most hotels or arranged with a motorbike/tuk-tuk driver. Currently it is regulated by Battambang's Tourist Police, with a standard rate of US$5 per person, minimum 2 people or US$10 for one person, with discounts for larger groups. It is worthwhile to ask the driver to stop at scenic places.

Green Orange Kayak, ☎+855 77 204 121. Go on a beautiful Stung Sangker river voyage from the small village of Ksach Poy to Battambang, past riverside terraces and traditional bamboo houses. Get away from the dusty roads and learn first hand about traditional fishing and farming techniques. Half day trip, 11 km.US$12.

Buying ingredients

Take a Cooking class

Many restaurants around Battambang offer cooking classes at varying prices.

Eat

There are plenty of places to eat but after 7PM some places close and lots of streets become dark, so eating early (around 6PM) is recommended.

You can get some great French-style bread (by French standards) for 1,000 rial a medium-size baguette up north, between the French cultural centre and the giant statue marking the entry in Battambang from the main interprovincial road. The bread that street sellers have elsewhere in town is of a much lower standard for the same price, similar to that found in Phnom Penh a baguette-shape, but sprinkled with sugar, however some people do not notice any difference between the bread sold in the north and elsewhere in Battambang. It is generally of decent quality all across the city.

Bamboo Train Café & Bar', (Cross the new bridge, 200 m further and it's on the right hand side just after the pizza house), (gikimduong@yahoo.com). 6:30AM-10PM. Relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and friendly staff(N 13° 05.549',E 103° 12.178')

Cafe Eden, (www.cafeedencambodia@gmail.com), [5]. Western style riverfront cafe restaurant run by an American woman. Serves Western and Asian food, and coffee. Kitchen works to Western food handling and preparation standards.(13.099622,103.199188)

Natural (Part of the project of an NGO called Coconut Water Foundation), N091-G34 Road 3. 20 Ousaphear Village, Svaypoar Commune (street no 3, 100 m south of the central market), ☎+855 89 409 958. A shop and organic coffee place. The shop sells handmade clothes, bags and wallets made by local home based producers and from other local NGOs, watercolour post cards and pictures made by art students from another NGO. Organic fruit shakes, green tea with fruits and vegetarian breakfast & brunch options. There is also a khmer lady weaving using an authentic old style loom.

Smokin' Pot, Ph.3. Cooking school-come-restaurant offering a good range of Khmer and Thai food. Vegetarian-friendly. Note that there are two establishments called "Smokin' Pot" a few blocks apart.Mains 8,000-20,000 rial.

White Rose, (Almost opposite the Smoking Pot). Huge menu, and some great fruit shakes. This place is more typically Asian-style than Western-style cosy but is still full of foreigners. The staff seem a bit stressed and not very hospitable. A plus is that they're quick and remember everything as you ordered it.

Drink

Espresso Cafe, (Beside Hotel Royal, inner side of yellow art-deco market). Everything is provided with a smile. Great smoothies. A good family-run Khmer restaurant.

Street One and a Half, End of St 1.5 (head south from central market on St.2, hang a left and find it at the end/corner of that little street). Good cafe menu with a few snacks but mainly just excellent coffee and drinks. Easily best espresso in town, very cool alleyway atmosphere.

Center Cafe, Street Number 3 (one block towards the river from the Lux Hotel). 7:30AM - midnight. Cheap and tasty western and Khmer dishes, usual beer coffee and smoothies, nice atmosphere and tours/bus tickets available at prices much cheaper than the hotels (half the price for a day-bus ticket to Phnom Penh than what the Lux hotel quotes). Staff speak decent English and the manager/owner is very friendly.US$1-5.

Madison Corner, Street 2.5, [7]. 6AM-late. The unique Pub in town. Enjoy a drink, draft beer, cocktail, home-made rum and a large variety of ice creams and local snacks. Some of the best crepes in Cambodia. A Battambang meeting place.

Fresh Eats, Street 2.5 (A few doors down from Apple of Love/La Pomme d'Amour). NGO restaurant with a reasonably-priced menu with lots of fruit juices, breakfast foods and make-your-own sandwiches.

Sleep

Budget

Ancient House (Homestay in Watkor village), (100 m south of Watkor temple and a few km south of town), ☎+855 12 363174. Talk with Madame Boun Roeung (who speaks some French but no English) about the possibility of staying in her "Ancient House." Accommodation is simple, with foam mattresses on the floor. Other owners of ancient houses may also be open to this.

Bungalow Restaurant and Guesthouse. Amongst flowering gardens and tropical fruit trees. Good for really relaxing atmosphere and very good western and Thai food.

Chhaya Hotel and Serviced Apartments, 118, St 3, Svaypor, ☎+855 53 952170, +855 12 882500 (chhaya.best@yahoo.com), [11]. Opened in June 2010, single, double and triple rooms, both A/C and non A/C, cableTV available. The cheaper hotel rooms have a shared bathroom, the more expensive ones have private facilities and a refrigerator. Serviced apartments newly opened in June 2010 and have large rooms with kitchenette and balconies, large ensuite, WiFi, cableTV. 24 hr security, free airport/bus station/boat harbour transfers.Hotel: US$4-12, apartments: US$20/night or US$270/mth.

Tomato Backpacker Hostel, Restaurant and Bar, 20 Ushaphea Village (behind LUX Guest House), ☎+855 12 85 34 39. Very friendly place with ensuite rooms for just US$3 and dorms for US$2. Has only 4 rooms in total on first floor that also has nice restaurant balcony. Great value for anyone on a tight budget.US$2-10.

Hotel Royal, (On a side street west of the central market), ☎+855 16 944955. Rooftop restaurant. Spacious rooms with bathroom, hot water and A/C. Clean singles and doubles available with shared bathroom and toilets.US$3-25.

Golden River Hotel, Street 3 (A few blocks down from Hotel Chhaya and just before the sign posted turn for the train station). Good clean hotel with the standard facilities you will find elsewhere in Battambang. Staff are helpful and friendly.From US$5.

Mid-range

Lux Guest House, ☎+855 92 335767. Built in 2009, rooms include hot water, aircon, fan, cableTV, free WiFi, fridge and minibar. Rooms are big clean and nicely decorated, as goes for the entire hotel. Staff are friendly, helpful and a little bit shy. Location is close to nice eating places and at a road which is lit at night.US$8-23.

Teo Hotel, St.3, ☎+855 53 952288, (mobile) +855 12 8570487. Immaculately clean and well-maintained rooms with double bed, A/C and fan, hot water, TV, and mini-fridge. Visa and MasterCard accepted. If you are in a room far from the router then wifi reception may be very poor or unavailable. Indoor restaurant is closed. Unhelpful staff.From US$10.

Khemara Battambang Hotel, No 224, Old National Rd No 5, Roumcheck 4 Village, Sangkat Rathanak., ☎+855 53 732727, [12]. Very comfortable beds, clean rooms with internet access (LAN cable, but in some rooms a connection from a nearby WiFi network is available), TV, A/C, fan and a fridge. Car parking possible. Also has great outdoor swimming pool. In room massage available from US$5/hr. Bicycle hire US$4/day.US$15 or $25 VIP. (13.11599,103.20299)

La Villa, N 185 Pom Romchek 5 Kom, Rattanak Srok, ☎+855 5373 0151 , mob +855 1741 1880 (lavilla.battambang@gmail.com, fax: +855 5373 0151), [15]. Guest house with a swimming pool in a renovated 1930s French colonial period villa, art-deco furniture and fittings. 7 rooms available (6 in the main house and 1 in the house nearby the swimming pool). Each room has a private toilet with bath or shower, hot and cold water, A/C, fan, TV and cable network, 4 poster bed with mosquito net, light summer duvet, wardrobe, work desk, safety box, coffee and tea facilities, DVD player with DVD for rent. Located just across the river from the central market. Book ahead as it is often full.from US$55-100.

Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!